South Africa Turf Disease Guide - Spring Dead Spot

Disease and Insect Control

22.11.2021

Causal Agent:

Ophiosphaerella korrae, Ophiosphaerella sp. formerly known as Leptosphaeria sp.

Susceptible Turfgrass:

Ultra-Dwarf Bermuda, Bermudagrass, Buffalograss, Kikuyu

Symptoms:

Infected Bermudagrass shows disease symptoms as it emerges from Winter dormancy. Spring Dead Spot appears as bleached, straw-coloured, circular patches that measure up to several feet in diameter. The roots of affected plants turn dark brown to black.

Conditions Favouring Disease:

Spring Dead Spot favours cool, wet weather in Autumn and daily temperatures, of less than 16°C in May. Symptoms are usually seen in Spring. This disease is typically found where thatch
is more than 1.2 cm thick and in locations with poor drainage and low potash levels. Heavy applications of nitrogen in late Summer often increase disease severity the following Spring. Spring Dead Spot is more severe on Bermudagrass that is over three years old and in locations with long dormancy and cold temperatures.

South Africa Turf Disease Guide - Spring Dead Spot

Integrated Turf Management Tips:

Treat in Autumn and do a follow up application 21 days later. Also do a Spring application. Best to spike prior to applying fungicide and water in immediately for a few minutes.
Avoid late Summer or Autumn applications of nitrogen fertilizers which may enhance disease severity
Use ammonium sources of nitrogen combined with potassium for fertilizer from Spring through early August
Control weeds in affected turf to enhance recovery from Spring Dead Spot
Apply moderate to high levels of phosphorous, potash, and minor elements
Improve drainage of turf
Reduce thatch
Convert from common varieties to hybrid Bermudagrass with good Winter hardiness
Use preventive fungicide applications in late September or October

Just tap the links below to read about other turf diseases. Or download the full free guide at the bottom.